Director, Content Innovation

| Chicago
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Job Description:
The Content Services Group is at the core of the SPINS Product Library and is accountable for building, managing, growing and evolving the operational aspects (planning, fact-based coding, operations, technology and data management) of the SPINS Product Library. The Content Service Team will execute attribute expansion, custom coding, client customer service and the implementation of strategic partnerships with distributors, certifiers, retailers and content licensing partners.


The Director, Innovation is responsible for leading the development of new attributes and services for SPINS Product Library. This inspired strategic and critical thinker builds on prior food database and attribute development experience and is responsible for implementing the Content Services growth of the Product Library and thoroughly researching products, ingredients, trends and issues related to the Natural, Organic, Specialty and Conventional Products Industry. This position is responsible for leading library growth through attribute development, expansion projects, attribute analysis, accuracy of SPINS Library platform and quality control of the new attributes. A problem-solving mentality combined with technical skill motivates this candidate to ensure data integrity and quality control across an expansive and dynamic database of product information.The role requires knowledge and experience in food database development, nutrition practices, brands/products and attributes that fuel the food industry. A passion for health and wellness and a desire to work in an entrepreneurial environment will be important for success. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced growing environment are important.

The Director, Innovation will lead by example and through collaboration, in a participation and hands-on way. They will thrive in a fact based and analytical environment. The candidate must have a high level of energy and passion for developing talent, working under tight timelines and comfortable making decisions. He/she will demonstrate the ability to assimilate into an organization easily, develop working relationships quickly, be both a coach and player of a team and have respect for the individual. He/she must work for the good of the organization and deal openly, transparently and ethically with all clients and partners.

This position reports directly to the EVP of Product & Operations and will be based at the SPINS Corporate Headquarters in River North, Chicago. The role will require approximately 15% travel.

Attribute Development

  • Expand the attributes for SPINS Product Library continued growth and release of attributes
  • Lead development and implementation of consistent attribute coding standards.
  • Develop consistent business rules within MDM system to ensure consistent coding across all attributes.
  • Collaborate with product experts to expand product attributes based on client and market trends.
  • Acquire and audit attribute information as developed by engineers
  • Establish work flow for requesting, creating, editing, publishing, and retiring attributes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Research and retrieve information on brands and specific products
  • Research trend setting ingredients and future attributes that will drive wellness products in market place (e.g. charcoal, social conciousness, etc.)
  • Maintain and update Product Library database with product information
  • Participate in retail audit store tours to review merchandise and assist with new product launches
  • Contribute to new content initiatives and special enhancement projects

 Development & Production

  • Ensure monthly product coding goals are achieved and new attributes are delivered on time.
  • Provide Engineering team with functional and product coding requirements for new attributes.
  • Evaluate new tools, technology and data sources to accelerate attribute development.
  • Understand all implications of downstream services and their impact/links to SPINS Content.

Leadership / People Management

  • Build, lead and develop a high performing Innovation team.
  • Communicate effectively within Content Services team
  • Develop communications to the Sales and Marketing Teams as needed
  • Generate status reports on assigned tasks and project
  • Work as an integral member of the Product/Operations team in meeting new product goals and deliverables

Required Experience: Desired Skills & ExperienceEducation and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Sciences, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry or Business.
  • Advanced degree in Nutrition (i.e. Registered Dietitian), Dietetics or Health & Wellness is a plus
  • 5-7 years of experience in Food or Retail Services Industry (Experience in Natural Products or CPG is a plus)
  • 3-5 years’ experience in a nutrition/research/food database development
  • Experience developing and managing a team of 5 or more 
  • Food regulatory, product labeling knowledge necessary
  • Strong technical proficiency with Master Data Management, Supply Chain, ETL and Meta-Data technologies.
  • HR related experience including hiring, managing, performance reviews, compensation, etc.

Leadership Competencies

  • Ability to effectively communicate with internal team mebers and external clients, partners and consumers.
  • Able to establish credibility based on experience and competency while implementing new initiative and strategies across the organization.
  • Ability to lead and inspire team members across the organization to achieve company's stated goals.
  • Demonstrated “out-of-the-box” ability to solve complex technical, data and business problems.
  • Demonstrated success in implementing process efficiencies with operational excellence.
  • Proven ability to recruit, train, inspire, mentor and develop staff.
  • Sound administrative skills and highly evolved people management skills.
  • Experienced team leader able to establish organization and individual performance goals.

Desired Attributes

  • Superior organizational and project management skills.
  • Strategic critical thinker with strong, analytical, numerical and reasoning abilities.
  • Highly evolved communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Adept at learning new technologies and business functions.
  • Passion, intelligence and determination to succeed
  • Self-motivated team player who consistently strives to exceed goals and push revenue expectations
  • Ability to lead through influence and create/maintain credibility and positive relationships 
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Location

We are just steps from the Merchandise Mart, located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago.

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